Lmst

https://gnomestew.com/challenging-the-tropes-the-chaos-gremlin/

This article from @GnomeStew takes a look at the Chaos Gremlin trope, why it doesn't work well in traditional TTRPG's and how you can make it work better if you (or your players) are determined to try.

#TTRPG #GMAdvice #Chaos

TTRPG designers, use dynamic modifiers in your random tables to adapt the challenge or progress story elements automatically!

Claymore's Hazard Function for #FIST does this in such a simple way, and i don't know why i don't see this more often in other #TTRPG,

#TTRPGDesign #GMAdvice #DMAdvice

https://gnomestew.com/meeting-the-villain-and-letting-them-live/

So you want to introduce the PC's to the BBEG, the master villain, the Main Bad Guy whatever.

You want both the PC's and the villain to live and fight another day, it's a great idea. But How?

This article from @GnomeStew gives several great idea's, and plenty of advice on how to create a great non-fatal encounter early on.

#TTRPG #GnomeStew #RPG #GMAdvice

https://slyflourish.com/two_word_cure_all_to_op_characters.html

How to deal with OP Characters at your table?

Simple, More monsters. Not bigger monsters, seriously, more monsters.
This great article by @slyflourish goes into a lot more detail, and has great advice for dealing with characters that have grown too powerful.

#RPG #TTRPG #RolePlaying #GMAdvice

Because it's Easter here's a tip on resurrection: how common it is to come back from the dead immediately shapes how combat feels.

In new games or settings, tell your players early if resurrection is common, a true miracle or there are no known cases of it happening.

#DnDAdvice #DMAdvice #GMAdvice

In the end, role playing games are about making decisions, but for that to be engaging the players need enough information.

Highlight the important things in the room. Don't hide core information behind obtuse interactions or rolls. Decision making in games is only fun and challenging when there is enough information to decide upon.

Left or right door? Random choice is not a decision. Tell them of sounds, smells and marks that hint to what awaits them behind each!

#DnDAdvice #GMAdvice #TTRPG

The RPG cities as theme parks approach is at the same time reassuring and an important lesson.

Pointy Hat's new video talks about cities as places for gameplay first and foremost, instead of over-worldbuilding and focusing on realism and infrastructure, a common trap with us, chronic world builders.

It can be an amazing city, but if the players get bored, what's the point of all that work?

https://youtu.be/cCP6UvtBv0U?feature=shared

#DnD #TTRPG #GMAdvice #DnDAdvice

Game Masters: Remember, those people you are playing with have busy lives outside of their games, and don't spend nearly as much time thinking about it as you do.

Be liberal with information, remind them of important characters and plot, point out the options and consequences before important decisions, and don't be too obtuse or subtle (unless that mystery is a major point in the game).

#DnDAdvice #GMAdvice #TTRPG

Sly Flourish recently made a post about the benefits that Player Roles can bring to a table: https://slyflourish.com/assign_player_roles.html

For longer games, having consistent people whose job is to do one particular thing ends up being a benefit to all.

One player keeps track of Lore, other of NPCs and factions, other of loot and finances... Might sound a bit clinical but it nullifies the chance of things getting lost, or not remembering important people and lore bits.

Try it as your table!

#TTRPG #GMAdvice

One Shots for a new Game Masters
https://youtube.com/shorts/WLiCfUODrvo

#TTRPG #DMAdvice #GMAdvice #NewGMs #NewDMs #GMuary

Rather read that watch? The companion blog post "Five Instant City Generators" has all the commentary, links, and screenshots: https://lairofsecrets.com/blog/5-instant-city-generators/

#CityDesign #InstantCities #DMTips #GMAdvice #RPGAdvice

5 Instant City Creation Tools for your RPG Campaign
https://youtu.be/SLfjrhlxrcc

#CityDesign #CampaignPrep #RPGTools #DMAdvice #GMAdvice

The Lair of Secrets contribution to #GMuary is up (a day late, but hey, we're here!) #GMAdvice #DMAdvice

The Lair’s Guide for New Game Masters https://lairofsecrets.com/podcast/the-lairs-guide-for-new-game-masters-s4e13/

Adventurers face off against a dragon in the cover art for the D&D Essentials Starter Kit

You don't need to fret about GM/Player antagonism. It's the GMs works to make life "interesting" for the *characters*. The trick is, wear the antagonistic hat when prepping the game, and when you *play* be the characters greatest fan.

It's not necessarily in the rules.

Good insight repeated many times and I just heard it from @GregStolze on a podcast.

#ttrpg #GMTips #SystemMatters #GMAdvice

After years of GMing Pathfinder 1e and exploring so many TTRPG systems, I’m stepping into something new —Game Mastering Shadowdark for the first time! Any tips or pointers to help make this game run smoothly? Let’s hear your advice! #TTRPG #ShadowdarkRPG #GameMasterLife #TabletopGames #GMAdvice